MLB’s Latest Rule Change Will Make Shohei Ohtani Even More Valuable

As if Shohei Ohtani’s ability to pitch and hit didn’t already make him one of the most valuable players in MLB history, a new rule change is about to give him an even bigger advantage.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the MLBPA agreed in their new CBA that teams who have their starting pitcher in the lineup instead of a DH can opt to keep the pitcher in the batting order even after he’s removed from the game as the pitcher.

It was also announced that the “ghost runner” on second base to start extra inning will continue this season.

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https://t.co/pykb8jO4lF Exclusive: MLB and the PA have agreed to rules that include expanded roster, return of the ghost runner and 9-inning games for double-headers plus a rule for the whole CBA that right now will probably just impact Shohei Ohtani.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 22, 2022

“This is a huge deal for the #Angels. This would mean the Angels could leave Ohtani in the game to hit even when he’s done pitching,” Angels writer Jeff Fletcher tweeted about the pitcher rule.

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Stop the presses…

This is a huge deal for the #Angels. This would mean the Angels could leave Ohtani in the game to hit even when he's done pitching. https://t.co/TOVj2FzgJO

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) March 22, 2022

For now, the rule will likely only apply to Shohei Ohtani — as it’s hard to imagine any other team will find the need to have their pitcher hit while starting a game. But perhaps as the game evolves, more and more prospects will try to accomplish the Ohtani dream.

Last season, Ohtani proved to be a bonafide ace and elite slugger — running away with the MVP Award despite the Angels missing out on the postseason by a wide margin.

We’ll see what Shohei Ohtani has in store for his encore. But regardless, it’s must watch TV any time his toes the rubber or steps into the batter’s box.

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